Kate Middleton has been filmed out in public for the first time since taking a break from the spotlight to undergo abdominal surgery.
In a video shared by The Sun, the Princess of Wales was seen smiling as she walked alongside her husband Prince William at The Windsor Farm Shop on Saturday.
This is the first time the 42-year-old has been seen out and about since undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January.
Nelson Silva, 40, who took the video, told the outlet: “Kate looked happy and relaxed.”
“They look happy just to be able to go to a shop and mingle. Kate looked relieved like it was a success going to a shop. It felt natural.”
Another eyewitness said: “I’m delighted that she is well and everyone else can see her back on her feet enjoying life again.”
The Princess of Wales has remained out of the spotlight since January, as she’s currently recovering from abdominal surgery.
But on March 10th, the 42-year-old broke her silence on social media to share a photo of herself and their kids Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, to celebrate Mother’s Day in the UK.
However, things took a dramatic turn when several of the world’s biggest international photo agencies said the photograph issued of Kate and her three children had been “manipulated”.
The Associated Press (AP) Reuters, Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Getty Images all separately issued a “kill notice” to media organisations around the globe, confirming they had each deleted the image from their individual libraries.
Kate later issued an apology in a statement shared on social media.
She wrote: “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused.
“I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C.”
A palace source also added: “The Princess has shared a statement on social media. This was an amateur, family photograph taken by the Prince of Wales.”
“Their royal highnesses wanted to offer an informal picture of the family together for Mother’s Day. The Princess made minor adjustments as she shared in her statement on social media.”
“The Wales family spent Mother’s Day together and had a wonderful day.”
Kate is expected to return to public duties after Easter, after undergoing surgery on January 16.
Kate’s sighting comes after the Princess missed out on her traditional outing at the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday.
The Irish Guards held their annual parade on March 17 after naming the Princess as the honorary Colonel back in 2022.
Princess Kate’s traditional role of handing out shamrock sprigs for the guards to pin on their uniforms will be carried out this year by Lady Ghika, wife of the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, Major General Sir Christopher Ghika.
Kate usually marks the St. Patrick’s Day parade by greeting Irish wolfhound Turlough Mor, who is known as Seamus, toasting with a pint of Guinness and as Colonel, receiving the royal salute.
The 42-year-old was admitted to The London Clinic on January 16 for her planned abdominal surgery.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace previously said that the Princess was “making good progress”.
They continued: “The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided.
“The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”
In a previous statement, a spokesperson said: “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate.”
“She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”
“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.”
“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”
